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2012 does offers opportunities for success in building a world-class regional transportation system in Tampa Bay. While we may not turn dirt on new mass transit projects, road projects will open the door for future mass transit services. In August, the Republican National Convention could be a blessing for real change in how we move people and goods in Tampa Bay.
Here are the projects and topics to look for in 2012.
Pinellas Alternatives Analysis study: The Pinellas Alternatives Analysis study, also known as Pinellas On Track, has been completed and will suggest a light rail system from downtown Clearwater to downtown St. Petersburg via Gateway. The study could be the tipping point for regional transportation because the Pinellas project needs the new Howard Frankland Bridge to connect to Tampa.
New Howard Frankland Bridge Span: The northbound span of the Howard Frankland Bridge (the St. Petersburg to Tampa span) was built in 1960 and is reaching the end of its useful life. Before the end of the decade, we could see a new span which would have a transit envelope on the bridge. With Pinellas on a path towards light rail or phased light rail, Hillsborough will need to address what technology they will use for connecting Hillsborough to the region.
Regional cooperation: At some point, Hillsborough and HART will have to come together with Pinellas and PSTA to determine future transit service along the Howard Frankland Bridge. This is where community input and business involvement is crucial. Westshore and Gateway are two of the largest employment centers in the state. It is necessary for the region to connect these two centers with premium transit service.
 The route selected by the Pinellas Alternatives Analysis study.
Are our governments willing to reach across lines on a map to work for the greater good? Or will provincialism sink our best hopes for a regional network? It may be up to our residents and businesses to make the case to our leaders that we can no longer stand divided and damage our ability to create jobs and prosperity.
Regional projects: Efforts in Hillsborough and Pinellas dominate the headlines, but there are actions across the region to improve our transportation and create more livable communities. On the leading edge of this is Pasco County, which continues to innovate. Their mobility fee encourages development in areas that can support it, rather than in environmentally sensitive areas. Pasco is also working with developers on projects that create better access for pedestrians and transit. Any discussion regarding Hillsborough’s mass transit efforts must include Pasco’s growth along the Interstate 75 and Suncoast Parkway corridors.
Further north, Citrus and Hernando Counties are working towards a new future. In Citrus, the need continues for the final leg of the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 19. With the future plans of Port Citrus and a new power plant, connecting Citrus to the Suncoast Parkway will have a huge impact on job creation in Citrus. In Hernando, the Brooksville Vision Foundation is one effort that deserves your attention. From improving parkland to revitalizing downtown Brooksville shops and restaurants, there is an opportunity to draw a new future for the quaint county seat. These efforts start with the Florida Blueberry Festival on May 4-6.
For regional cooperation and connections, Manatee and Sarasota are an example to follow. Sarasota’s bus rapid transit plans, shared transit fare services and a consolidated planning organization demonstrate that these counties are united for success in the coming years. Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport could be a future transit hub and Port Manatee’s growth looks to continue with a port connector to Interstate 75.
All of TBARTA's seven counties are also working on transit projects connected to improved roadways, such as Interstate 75 and U.S. 41. Many of the projects named here have TBARTA and the Florida Department of Transportation as partners. TBARTA had their state funding eliminated in 2011 by Gov. Rick Scott, but that appears to have empowered the member counties and cities to keep the regional organization strong. 
Polk County has a unique challenge as they face significant population growth in the increasingly crowded Interstate 4 corridor towards Tampa and Orlando. Discussions continue in Polk for the Central Polk Parkway and future links into the “Heartland” of Florida, which would assist in economic development in rural areas. Lakeland is becoming more bicycle friendly, led by groups like Lakeland Vision. There are also discussions on how to better connect the two transit services operating in the county. The county was hurt by the loss of high-speed rail. The consolation prize was the approval of Orlando’s SunRail, which led to the approval of a rail freight terminal in Winter Haven.
Republican National Convention legacy: The Republican National Convention will not lead to Tampa Bay securing major legacy projects like Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul built in preparation for 2008 conventions. But, in an effort to move thousands of charter busses filled with delegates and journalists, Tampa Bay transportation officials may have to experiment with managed lanes for transit. The legacy of the RNC could be two-fold: the traffic created by the RNC drives home the point that Tampa Bay cannot continue with limited transportation options, or short-term solutions like bus only lanes create the possibility of long-term solutions.
As other issues arise, stick with Tampa Bay On Track. We hope you continue to join us in 2012.
Happy New Year!
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